New NGO website of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo
The NGO Section has launched its new web site with in-depth information for its users, focusing specially on the use of improved search tools and information required by the NGOs in consultative status and those applying for status through the website. Additionally, members of the civil society will be able to access information on how to participate in the new functions of ECOSOC including the blog on the AMR Innovation Fair which will allow interactive inputs on best practices and success stories in the field of sustainable development through http://www.amrif2008.blogspot.com. Updates on the activities of the civil society are available through the page on UN-NGO-IRENE (United Nations Informal Regional Network).

Strengthening DPA (A/62/521) English, French & Spanish:http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A/62/521
A new Secretary-General's report on the proposed programme budget details proposed changes to the Department of Political Affairs (A/62/521). The proposals include reconfiguring the Department to be more field-oriented and strengthening the Organization’s work on areas of tension and possible conflict, so it is better able to detect problems and devise and implement diplomatic solutions. An annex includes a revised organization chart.

Kosovo Troika report ((S/2007/723) English, French, Spanish:http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2007/723
The European Union/United States/Russian Federation Troika on Kosovo report has been issued as a UN document (S/2007/723). According to the summary,
"The Troika was able to facilitate high-level, intense and substantive discussions between Belgrade and Pristina. Nonetheless, the parties were unable to reach an agreement on the final status of Kosovo. Neither party was willing to cede its position on the fundamental question of sovereignty over Kosovo."

Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2008 (UN Mine Action Service (DPKO) / UNDP / UNICEF) http://www.mineaction.org/downloads/1/map_portfolio_2008_acrobat7.pdf
The 11th edition analysis of the problems of landmines and explosive remnants of war in countries or territories with mine action programs that are supported or managed by the United Nations. The Portfolio also lists proposals for mine action projects and details their costs.

Sanctions Monitoring (S/2007/677) English, French & Spanish:http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2007/677
The seventh report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, a subsidiary of the Security Council Commmittee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, has been issued (S/2007/677). The report discusses difficulties related to implementing and monitoring sanctions.

Economic & Social Development

2007 AIDS epidemic update (WHO /UNAIDS report) http://data.unaids.org/pub/EPISlides/2007/2007_epiupdate_en.pdf
Global HIV prevalence - the percentage of people living with HIV - has levelled off and the number of new infections has fallen, according to new data released by WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The estimates indicate that 33.2 million people are living with HIV in 2007.

2007 Report on the World Social Situation: The Employment ImperativeFull report in English:http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/rwss/media07/index.htmlSummary available in English, French and Spanish
After a solid and broad-based growth for three consecutive years, the world economy is expected to decelerate in 2007, mainly dragged by a slowdown of the United States. This report is a joint product of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the five United Nations regional commissions. It provides an overview of recent global economic performance and short-term prospects for the world economy and of some key global economic policy.

Education for all monitoring report (UNESCO report) Full report: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001547/154743e.pdfSummary:http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001548/154820e.pdf
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has launched the Global Monitoring Report on Education for All. Although the number of children enrolled in primary school, the percentage of girls attending classes and the amount of money spent on education have all increased in the past decade, adult illiteracy levels remain high and the cost of schooling in much of the world continues to limit access for millions of children.

Our stories (UNICEF) http://www.ourstories.org/Press release: http://www.unicef.org/media/media_42085.html
Our Stories aims to help people, including children, share the stories of their lives. The website, launched by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Google and the non-profit organization One Laptop per Child, allows children to record and share their stories online in their own languages and map them on a Google Map.

Progress for Children: A World Fit for Children Statistical Reviewhttp://www.unicef.org/progressforchildren/2007n6/index_41401.htm
This interactive UNICEF report reviews world progress on meeting commitments for children in four priority areas: promoting healthy lives, providing a quality education, combating HIV and AIDS, and protecting against abuse, exploitation and violence.

Renewables 2007: Global Status Report (UNEP) http://www.ren21.net/pdf/REN21_GSR2007_Prepub_web.pdf
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has issued a summary report of the Renewables Global Status Report 2007 for the Bali Climate Change Conference. The report, to be released in January, shows that renewable energy sources continue to grow and that renewable energy has evolved rapidly from an 'alternative' source of energy to a mainstream energy option.

UNFPA Annual Report 2006English, French and Spanish:http://www.unfpa.org/publications/detail.cfm?ID=333&filterListType=
The United Nations Population Fund Annual Report 2006 highlights UNFPA’s efforts throughout the year assisting 154 developing and transition countries and territories to empower women and men to make the choices necessary to improve their lives. The report also documents the record-breaking number of donors and resources mobilized in 2006, with details of how and where the money was spent. Each chapter of the report features an individual whose life was touched by the work of UNFPA in 2006.

The World Meteorological Organization’s Contribution to Improved Decision Making for Climate Adaptation – WMO Position Paper http://www.wmo.ch/pages/cop13/documents/COP13.doc

Social Media

The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.